Published/Revised June 14, 2014 By Jen Westmoreland Bouchard This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Easily accessible by train, La Rochelle, France is a popular destination for European tourists. This coastal town has something to offer everyone, from upscale shops to gourmet restaurants to a variety of historical sites. Boasting four large ports, the city of La Rochelle is home to a lifestyle (food, activities, sites) that is directly influenced by its maritime culture.My first ... Read Full Article

Published/Revised June 14, 2014 By Jen Westmoreland Bouchard This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The term la rentrée in it’s most literal sense means “the re-entry” or “the return.” However, it’s one of those French words that takes on myriad socio-cultural meanings, depending on who you talk to. In general, la rentrée refers to the period after les vacances (vacation/break) in July and August. The closest thing we have in the U.S. to France’s la rentrée is “back to school.” However, la ... Read Full Article